The work of a Manx overseas charity that is preparing to open its 30th school was recently celebrated in Kirk Michael.
Established in 1993 by ex-servicemen of the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers Tom Langridge MBE and Chandra Bahardur Gurung, the Pahar Trust raises funds to build schools in Nepal.
It also works to train teachers and provide educational resources, ultimately giving children an opportunity to have a good education in a safe, secure learning environment.
To date 30 projects have been exclusively funded by the Isle of Man, the majority of which are schools.
Also celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Gurkha regiments, the event was organised by the Isle of Man Post Office.
The Post Office has created the Pahar Trust Nepal Special Cover featuring a portrait of a Gurkha by Second World War veteran and artist James Fenton.
Kirk Michael is officially twinned with the Nepalese village of Ghamrang and the students of the Michael School had the chance to learn more about the connection, and the contribution of Gurkha soldiers during the First and Second World Wars, at the special event at the school.
In attendance were artist James Fenton, Pahar Trust chairman Howard Green and retired Gurkha Major Dhan Chand, who acts as a trustee of the charity.
The school’s headteacher Tony Robinson presented the trust with a cheque for £510.
Maxine Cannon, general manager of Isle of Man stamps and coins, presented the Pahar Trust with a specially-framed version of the commemorative special cover.
The children and attendees came together to sing a song written about the school.
Commenting on the event, Mr Green said: ‘The Pahar Trust Nepal is extremely grateful to the Isle of Man Post Office for all the interest and support it has shown.
‘Having a special cover is a great privilege and it helps us to celebrate completing our 30th Isle of Man funded project in Nepal.
‘I am confident that there will be a great deal of interest in the stamps and covers. This will help to promote the work of the Pahar Trust Nepal.’
Costing £7.50, the Pahar Trust Nepal Special Cover has been produced in a limited run of 300 and is available from.iompost.com/stamps-coins
A donation will be made to the trust from each sale.